REVIEW: Enter Shikari – A Flash Flood Of Colour

Never a group to hold their proverbial tongue, Enter Shikari have emerged from a year of relentless touring with their most outspoken effort to date. A Flash Flood Of Colour puts an emphasis on the message, while further expanding the experimental rock act’s already diverse catalog of sound, and delivers on levels few artists in this scene have touched in years.

Starting with the cleverly titled one-two punch of “System…” and “…Meltdown,” Enter Shikari lay all of their cards on the table to kickstart A Flash Flood Of Colour with artistic flare. Much like the perfect opening sequence to any film, these tracks preview every emotional apsect and musical concept later explored on the album, while still welcoming fans with familiar sonic elements. It is also in these moments we first hear vocalist Roughton “Rou” Reynolds throw all lyrical apprehension to the wind, a common theme on the record, allowing his message of unity through understanding of self and one’s surroundings to be explored both metaphorically and abruptly without once jolting the listener.

As the familiar opening lines of “SSSnakepit” begin to roll in, you have a few moments to catch your breath and steady your heartbeat before the group once again explodes into a flurry of rock, synth, and chant-worthy vocals. The track is highlighted by a stomp-worthy breakdown, a concept the group explores on later tracks as well, but never loses focus of trying to bring people together (let’s make it clear here, unity is and has always been a theme for the group, it’s everywhere). “Search Party” follow this insanity as a more straightforward rock anthem, but that refinement is quickly deluded as the aggressive, albeit dance-inducing rhythm of “Arguing With Thermometers” takes over to carry listeners towards the album’s midway point.

Serving as a midway point of sorts for Colour, “Stalemate” nears on System Of A Down lyricism/flow (in a good way), and finds the group infusing acoustic guitars into their sound. This moment of calm quickly disappears however, as soon as Rou’s “Gandhi Mate, Gandhi” speech begins to fade in. While the song itself may leave some feeling a bit unsettled, the message and use of musical experimentation sets the tone for the tracks that follow (IE: the pre-bridge in “Warm Smiles Do Not Make You Welcome Here” or the dub break that ends “Pack Of Thieves”).

If the first nine tracks of A Flash Flood Of Colour somehow fail to win over any true fan of music, “Hello Tyrannosaurus, Meet Tyrannicide” and “Constellations” are sure to make anyone a lifelong fan of Enter Shikari. Both exploring completely differently realms of sound, yet somehow existing cohesively, these two track take the listener from the preceding party and walks them home before putting them to bed with a kiss on the forehead. Much like the was “System…” and “…Meltdown” welcomed you, these guide you out and you’re left thankful to have been part of the experience.

Music could not have asked for a better album to kickoff 2012 than A Flash Flood Of Colour. This record not only entertains, it delivers messages that this generation of music fans desperately needs to hear (and hopefully heed). By realizing the power of their sound and doing their best to use it for the betterment of everyone, Enter Shikari have once again evolved beyond their peers and set the bar for rock and experimentation in the new year.

James Shotwell is the founder of Under The Gun Review. He loves writing about music and movies almost as much as he loves his two fat cats. He's also the co-founder of Antique Records and the Marketing Coordinator for Haulix. You should probably follow him on Twitter.

I can see that viewpoint, but I would argue that all music carries a message, even if it is simply one about moving on or getting older. I think Enter Shikari have taken their ability to reach masses to heart and decided to try and change the world, rather than fester in the well-covered emotional ground, but that is definitely something not everyone will be on board for.

I hope you still listen to the record. I’m sure fans old and new will find many things to enjoy on the album.

Jason Stamatyades

I’m always astonished to see that people have a problem with Enter Shikari writing lyrics that have a strong message whether it be political or ethical.

I grew up listening to punk bands that were always shouting messages about their political views and I loved it. It opened my eyes, it made me question my own beliefs and it made me think.
Enter Shikari is a band that wants you to open your mind. If you don’t want to think, go listen to some pop music on the radio.

Peter

How can you not agree with their message? His lyrics are fucken awesome. Cant wait for this album, wheres the damn leak already.

TWO WEEKS IS TOO LONG!

Spockle

entre shikary allways do best lyrics cos they about peace and fredom! f the h8rs!

Benjamin Stanton

Dont listen then, all art has a message or a moral. Thats how music gets differentiated from noise, by giving said noise meaning. ////the message is part of the music whether you like it or not, if you don’t I’ve heard Rebecca Black has a simple set of messages for you.

Travis

Some don’t like to feel that a belief is being pushed on them. I can understand that. ANd some just won’t agree with another’s belief. I agree with what Enter Shikari sings and writes about and think it is a great message. But I listen to music that I don’t agree with but listen because in the end I like the music and that’s what matters. I like music even more when I agree with the lyrics though haha. And I can’t wait for the album either! Enter continues to grow and evolve and only get better. Have a feeling this will be one of my favorite albums. Atleast hoping so haha.

if you seriously listened to this and rated it amongst the greatest ever made….

nope, there’s no ‘music is subjective’ bullshit here, this is just retarded.

undertaker

i do love these guys and what they do and how they do it altho i have to admit the messages arent the best thing about them for me.id love them even if their songs were about their relationship problems(like when they started with Take to the skies) just cos its excellent music and they are so damn passionate about what they’re doing.so fuck all else and open your minds let the good stuff in its the music at its best GO SHIKARI